Palliative Care

Palliative care is a form of specialised medical care that focuses on relieving the pain and other symptoms of a severe illness, regardless of the disease's diagnosis or stage. The objective of palliative care teams is to enhance the quality of life for patients and their families.

Dr Jooste did postgraduate courses on cancer and palliative care. The focus is to diagnose cancer earlier through appropriate screening because evidence has shown that earlier diagnosis leads to earlier referral, leading to better outcomes. If the condition becomes terminal and life-prolonging, treatments are stopped, and the focus shifts to palliative care, where the aim is to keep the patient comfortable and improve their quality of life. We have a good working relationship with Hospice and try to involve them in the care of our patients sooner rather than later.

Palliative care can make life and the lives of those who care for you much easier if you have been diagnosed with severe and long-lasting disease or a life-threatening illness. This type of care may be provided in addition to curative treatments and is distinct from end-of-life care. Palliative care does not necessarily indicate death. Many patients enter and exit palliative care as necessary.

As part of palliative care, various medical professionals collaborate with you, your family, and other specialists to add an additional layer of support to your ongoing care. Numerous studies demonstrate that palliative care improves patient quality of life and reduces symptom burden. In addition to being the right thing to do for patients, this enhanced quality of life makes family interactions with the health care system less stressful and traumatic. Under the human right to health, palliative care is expressly recognised. It should be provided through person-centred and integrated health services that cater to the specific needs and preferences of each individual.